How to Lay Patio Slabs? Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Overview of How To Lay Patio Slabs

1. Plan your patio
2. Choose your paving slabs
3. Gather tools and supplies
4. Prepare the site
5. Lay the sub-base
6. Mix and spread the mortar
7. Place the slabs
8. Joint the slabs
9. Seal the Patio

For homeowners, laying patio slabs can transform your outdoor space into a stunning, eye catching area for yourself, friends and family. You can create your perfect space for relation and entertainment whilst also serving as a more functional space for outdoor dining; the design possibilities are endless with our range of paving slabs. With the right patio slabs and design, a patio can transform your garden into a beautiful and practical extension of your home.

In this how to lay patio slabs article, we discuss why installing a patio is a great way to enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space and what the installation process involves. Laying a patio yourself can be a rewarding project, it lets you control the design and setup, allowing you to add a personal touch to your home. Plus, taking this project on yourself means that you can save on professional installation costs.

How to Lay Patio Paving Slabs Step-by-Step

Our how to lay patio slabs guide will help you successfully choose, install, and finish your patio slabs, ensuring a beautiful and durable addition to your home. Determining how to lay patio slabs can be a daunting process. However, the following article will discuss in detail how to lay patio slabs, tailored for beginners. With our detailed steps, you can create an outdoor space that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Step 1: Plan Your Patio
(Initial Planning & Tool Gathering)

How to lay patio slabs starts with careful planning is crucial for a successful patio installation. Start by determining the purpose of your patio, whether it’s for outdoor dining, socialising, or relaxation. This decision will guide the placement, size, and shape of your patio, such as positioning it near the kitchen for easy access during meals or in a location that catches the most sunlight.

You next need to create a detailed sketch of your patio that includes all necessary measurements. This plan will assist you in visualising the final layout and ensure you purchase the correct number of paving slabs. It’s also helpful for arranging any additional features you want to have, like a firepit, furniture, or landscaping elements.

Before finalising your patio design, check any homeowner’s association guidelines to determine if you need any permits for construction. This will ensure that your patio project proceeds without potential issues.

Step 2: Choose Your Paving Slabs

The next step is selecting the paving slabs for your patio. Paving slabs are available in a wide range of materials, offering unique aesthetics, varying maintenance needs, and options to suit different budgets.

Here are the types of paving slabs you can choose from:

Porcelain Paving Slabs

Porcelain paving slabs are made from finely processed clay and are kiln-fired at high temperatures. They come in a variety of colours and styles, including grey, white, and wood effects, making it easy for you to find the perfect match for your outdoor space.

These slabs are known for their low maintenance and durability. They are resistant to stains, frost, and fading, ensuring long-lasting appeal. The wide range of available sizes makes porcelain paving slabs a versatile and cost-effective choice for designing your patio.

Concrete Paving Slabs

Concrete paving slabs are made from a combination of cement, water, and aggregates, ensuring a long-lasting patio. These slabs come in various colours and finishes, from exposed aggregates to natural textures. You can choose large, uniform slabs for a modern appearance or smaller ones for intricate designs.

Concrete slabs are low maintenance, requiring occasional cleaning to keep them looking good. Their practicality allows you to enhance your outdoor space without stretching your budget.

Natural Stone Slabs

Natural stone slabs are quarried materials, ranging from sandstone to granite and limestone. Each stone is unique, featuring distinct textures and colours from soft beige’s to rich greys. These slabs come in varying sizes, allowing you to choose dimensions that best suit your patio’s layout.

The maintenance needs will depend on the natural stone you select. Limestone and sandstone are more porous, which means they need more frequent sealing and cleaning compared to durable granite. Natural stone slabs also come with different price tags, ensuring you can find the right aesthetic within your price range.

Here are the types of paving slabs you can choose from:
Sandstone Paving Slabs
Granite Paving Slabs
Limestone Paving Slabs

Step 3: Gather Tools and Supplies

These are the tools and materials you’ll need for your patio project:

• Tape Measure
• String or Rope
• Wooden Stakes
• Level
• Shovel
• Wheelbarrow
• Compactor (Plate or Hand Tamper)
• Gravel
• Sharp Sand
• Screening Board
• Mortar Mix
• Trowel
• Patio Slabs
• Rubber Mallet
• Jointing Compound
• Sealer
• Tile Spacers
• Pattern Template

Step 4: Prepare the Site
(Site Preparation, Clearing & Marking)

Your first step is to create a clean and level surface for your patio. Utilise your shovel and wheelbarrow to clear your patio location of any grass, plants, rocks, or debris. If you encounter any pipes or cables whilst clearing the area, you will need to contact a professional to relocate them before continuing.

Once the area is clear, you need to mark the boundaries of your patio. Use the wooden stakes and string or rope to outline the area in the correct shape and size according to your plan. Make sure the strings are tight and level to provide accurate guides.

You will need to dig the marked area to prepare for the sub-base. To determine how deep to dig for your patio, you first need to measure the thickness of your paving slabs. Then, add approximately 10cm for the sub-base, 5cm for the sand layer, and 5cm for the mortar layer.

When digging for your sub-base, you will also need to include a fall, which is a very slight slope. This will prevent water from pooling on your patio and causing any damage. A standard slope for patio drainage is about 1 to 2cm of fall for every meter of patio length.

Step 5: Lay the Sub-base
(Laying the Groundwork, Sub-base & Mortar)

The sub-base is the layer of 100mm compacted MOT Type 1 and 30mm Bedding Mortar (Sharp Sand & Cement), that provides a stable foundation for the patio. This will prevent the patio from sinking or shifting over time.

Here is the step-by-step for layering the sub-base:

1. Evenly layer the MOT Type 1 over the prepared area.
2. Compact the layered MOT Type 1 and the 30mm Bedding Mortar (Sharp Sand & Cement), press it down firmly.
3. Measure the height of the gravel. If the compacted MOT Type 1 is lower than 10cm, you will need to add more and compact again.
4. Use a level to check that the subbase surface is flat and even.

Next, spread a layer of 30mm Bedding Mortar (Sharp Sand & Concrete) over the compacted MOT Type 1. Use a screening board and level to ensure that its evenly spread. Check the height of the spread and add more if needed. Use the level once more to ensure the entire area is even.

Step 6: Mix and Spread the Bedding Mortar (Sharp Sand & Cement)

Mixing mortar correctly is crucial for a strong and durable patio. Prepare the mortar according to the packet instructions, ensuring to only add water slowly until you achieve the right consistency. The mortar needs to be workable but not too wet, as it needs to hold the slabs firmly without running.

Once your mortar is mixed, apply it to the prepared sub-base. Spread an even layer about 5cm thick using a trowel. Make sure to only work on small sections at a time to prevent the mortar from drying before you place the slabs.

Step 7: Place the Slabs
(Placing the Slabs: Techniques for Alignment & Spacing)

It’s time to start laying your paving slabs. Following your pattern template, take a paving slab, slightly wet the back of it, and lay it on the mortar. Use your rubber mallet and gently hammer it into place, using the level to ensure an even surface.

When laying paving slabs around the edge, remove any excess mortar using the trowel. Continue applying mortar and laying the slabs until you have completed the patio area.

Correct patio slab placement is essential for achieving a well-aligned and visually appealing patio. Here are some of our tips to ensure perfect alignment and spacing:

• Start from a Corner:
  Begin laying your slabs from a corner that lines up with your house or another structure. This gives you a reference point that helps maintain consistent angles and straight edges across the entire patio.
• Use Spacers:
  Put tile spacers between the slabs to make sure the gaps are the same. Spacers come in various sizes, so choose one that matches your desired gap size.
• Check Alignment Often:
  As you lay each slab, use a long spirit level to check the alignment both horizontally and vertically. It’s important to do this as you go as adjusting after the mortar has set may damage the slabs.

Step 8: Joint the Slabs
(Final Steps: Jointing & Sealing)

Once the mortar has dried, typically after 24 to 48 hours depending on weather conditions, you can begin jointing your patio. Jointing, or grouting paving slabs, involves filling the gaps between the patio slabs. This is an essential step as it enhances the visual appeal of your patio and contributes to its durability by locking the slabs in place.

You can apply jointing compound with a trowel or brush in between the paving slab gaps. To achieve the best results, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Once all the joints are filled, gently wipe off any excess compound from the surface of the slabs.

Step 9: Seal the Patio

Applying a sealant is the final step in laying your patio. Sealing the patio slabs helps prevent staining and discolouration, reduces water absorption, and enhances the durability of your patio. It’s important to select a sealant that is compatible with the type of pavers you have chosen for your patio, as this will ensure the best protection and finish.

To seal your patio, ensure that the slabs and jointing are completely dry and clean, usually a few days after jointing. Apply the sealant evenly across the surface using a roller or a sprayer. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully regarding the number of coats required and the drying time between each application.

Allow the sealant to fully cure before using the patio, which can take up to 48 hours depending on the product used. This ensures the sealant sets properly and provides effective protection.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid when Laying Patio Slabs

We’ve covered how to lay patio slabs, showing how this is a straightforward project that beginners can take on. However, there are a few common errors that first-timers make:

No Plan or Pattern Template

Starting your patio without a plan or pattern can lead to uneven spacing and a cluttered appearance. Having a design helps ensure that every piece fits perfectly, avoiding unnecessary adjustments that can affect the patio’s stability and look.

Skimping on Materials

Using too few materials can compromise the durability and strength of your patio. Ensure you have enough base material, sand, and slabs to support the structure properly to avoid increased maintenance and repair costs later.

Forgetting Edging

Edging helps to hold the pavers in place and maintain the integrity of the patio layout. Without it, you might find yourself frequently adjusting slabs back into position or dealing with an uneven surface.

Aftercare & Maintenance Tips for Durability

Regular maintenance will keep your patio looking its best and extend its lifespan. It helps prevent damage from weather conditions and daily wear, ensuring the patio remains safe and attractive. Proper care also reduces the risks of costly repairs by addressing minor issues before they become major problems.

Here are our top tips for looking after your patio slabs:

Clean Frequently

Frequent cleaning prevents the buildup of dirt, grime, and organic materials that can stain or damage the patio slabs. Use a gentle cleaner and a soft brush or broom to scrub the surface without harming it. Rinse with a hose to wash away any residue, keeping the surface clean and maintaining its appearance.

Reseal

Resealing your patio helps protect it from moisture penetration, stains, and weather-related damage. Depending on your selected pavers, it’s generally good to reseal the patio every three to five years.